Helpful Vitamin/Herbal Supplements for treating respiratory illnesses

People are always asking for something to take OTC to help treat or prevent colds and other respiratory viruses.

Virus vs Bacteria

Infections are due to a virus or a bacteria. There are many types of each. Depending on the type of infection (bacterial or viral) treatment will be different. Colds and the flu are due to viruses. Other sinus and respiratory infections can be caused by bacteria. If they are caused by bacteria, then you will need an antibiotic to treat it. These are only available as a prescription.

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This list is mainly help prevent respiratory infections. I have listed in order of the most important things on top and in decreasing order from there.

Foundational, every one should take a daily multivitamin (like a generic for Theragran-M). This helps provide vitamins and minerals that are missed in your diet.

Vitamin C - 1000 mg per day (or children 500mg per day --use chewable tablets). Doses greater than 1000 mg is eliminated via urine, and may cause diarrhea.

Nasal irrigation. These can reduce nasal congestion, clear mucus drainage, reduce sore throat, and cough. Used once a day or more often if needed. I like to recommend Xlear (or Xclear) Soothing and Moisturizing Nasal Wash with Xylitol. This has a good spray mechanism to clear the sinuses and moisturize them. Another option would be a Neti Pot Nasal Wash Kit). Again these wash the mucus away that traps allergens and virus/bacteria. It also moisturized the nasal sinus to help keep the mucosal healthy.

Echinacea might modestly decrease a cold's severity and duration in some people...but it doesn't prevent colds. Use at first signs of a cold. Don't use if you're allergic to ragweed.

Zinc lozenges might help decrease a cold's duration. But caution that zinc has a metallic taste and too much can lead to copper deficiency. Use at first signs of cold.

Vitamin D3 – 1000 units per day.

Probiotics like Culturelle – one capsule per day – probably only use through the cold season.

Elderberry might shorten flu symptoms by a few days. I recommend Sambucol if used.

I would also consider Omega 3 fatty acids - at least 1000 mg per day. These can help reduce inflammation.

I would avoid the following : Airborne, Oscillococcinum, Umcka ColdCare, astragalus, Asian ginseng, or garlic. There's no good evidence that they effective.